If you ask Dylan Pedersen of 2Js Fresh Market what’s especially fresh and fabulous in his produce department this week, he will tell you that artichokes are in good supply and at a good price.

I would have to agree! On sale for 2 for $4, the medium-sized brightly-colored globes make for a delicious way to kick off your next dinner party, whether steamed in the microwave or roasted in lemon olive oil in the oven. Whip up some Dilled Mayonnaise for dipping, and suddenly you’ve created a super simple spring appetizer for all to enjoy.

While artichokes are traditionally steamed over simmering water, a quicker way to achieve similar results is to steam them in a covered glass bowl in the microwave. Another low maintenance way to cook them is to roast them in the oven in lemon olive oil. Rubbing the outside of the artichoke with fresh lemon after trimming will help prevent browning of the leaves.

And artichokes aren’t just delicious, they are nutritious as well. Eating artichokes is a great way to add the fiber many people lack in their diets. Artichokes are also rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamin C.

Pick up a few artichokes and savor a super simple appetizer for spring in this week’s Special of the Day: Spotlight on Artichokes with recipes for Artichokes Steamed in the Microwave with melted butter and Roasted Artichokes with Dilled Mayonnaise. Enjoy!

Recipes and food photography by Sydne George

Artichoke steamed in the microwave with melted butter

Artichoke Steamed in the Microwave

1 fresh artichoke

1 fresh lemon, cut in half

1/8 tsp. Kosher salt

¼ cup melted butter

Trim ends of artichoke with sharp knife and use scissors to trim sharp ends of leaves on artichoke.

Rub outside of artichoke with lemon and sprinkle with salt.

Fill a medium glass bowl with 2 inches of water. Set trimmed artichoke stem side down in bowl of water.

Cover artichoke with a glass bowl (inverted) that is slightly smaller than the one it is sitting in.

Microwave on high for about 15 minutes, until leaves are tender.

Use pot holders to remove from microwave oven carefully and let sit briefly to cool slightly.

Use pot holders to carefully remove top bowl.

Slice steamed artichoke in half and serve with melted butter.

Enjoy!

Roasted Artichoke

Roasted Artichoke with Dilled Mayonnaise

1 fresh artichoke

3 tbsp. lemon olive oil

½ tsp. Kosher salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Brush a rimmed baking sheet with lemon olive oil.

Trim ends of artichoke with sharp knife and use scissors to trim sharp ends of leaves on artichoke.